For those of you on disability/no working-PART II

So, here we go! We are not pleased about getting up at 10:30 or 10 or even 9 perhaps. But we don't have a "job" giving us that "meaning" and "purpose" we so dearly seek. 


Let's all try this (and I'd love to hear if you have this problem and how you do with my suggestions): 
- Set your alarm for the desired time to awaken. HOWEVER, if you regularly rise at 9 am, do not set it for more than an hour earlier. For me I will set the alarm at 8:30 because 9:30 seems to be my norm. 
- When that alarm goes off, commit to me right here and right now that you WILL arise at that time. 
- If you eat first thing in the morning, get that done. 
- Either while eating or next (after the bathroom of course), pull out your Bible. Locate a verse (using a concordance or the internet) that has the word or words success, succeed, persevere, etc. Anything about winning at what you are trying to accomplish. Commit that verse to your mind. IT can be as simple as "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (St. Paul to the Phillipians). 
- Please make sure that you eat a nourishing meal and drink something in the morning. I prefer coffee and tea, but whatever is healthy and good for Fibro patients. I will help you with this if you wish. 
- Now, get some comfortable clothes and shoes on and get outside or get on your treadmill. I want you to take a walk at a comfortable pace for as long as possible....even if just 5 minutes. People who exercise in the morning, particularly outside, tend to have less depression and a better outlook on life. 
- REMEMBER when doing the above, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". 
- EXCUSES - if it's too hot, you hurt too much, or it is impossible for you to exercise, either do some gentle stretching, simply sit outside, or if you're sitting outside bring your bible and look up a passage on "strength" or other area that you feel you need work. We are ALL works in progress
- Finally, get in the shower, not too hot or too cold, moisturize  your skin, put on sunscreen no matter the time of year and then dress in comfortable clothing. If you wear makeup, go for it. Don't worry about "looking healthy". We know how we feel and actually looking better can make you feel better. 
- Now, look at the clock. You've already communed with the Lord (fed your soul), eaten something (fed your body) and cleaned up (cared about YOU) along with a bit of exercise which is taking care of what God has given us. What better way to start your day. 
- After this, sit down with your planner, a pen and pad, or whatever you use to write down your schedule and plan your day....plan one or two things that are priorities for the day. If you can do more, great, if not, you've made YOU the priority. 


Next we will work on what to do with your day when you're feeling that you have no purpose. 


But first and foremost, getting up earlier in the day and spending time with the Lord can make a huge difference on how you feel, look and how the balance of your day goes. 


Blessings ....surround us.....


Mo M.